“I thank [President Massimo] Moratti, [sporting director Marco] Branca and [director Piero]Ausilio, but not [new Coach Walter] Mazzarri, because before he signed he told me that I was a fixed starter with the team and then after he arrived he said I was a starter, but one that should go home,” offered Cassano to reporters.

“He pushed me to go away. I want away because I could not return to Inter in his plans.

“Everyone must be aware that when you have Antonio, it is for better or worse. Throughout my career I have achieved 30-40 per cent of what I was capable of.”

Cassano was asked if his relationship with Mazzarri’s predecessor Andrea Stramaccioni was any better. The two did fall out during last season.

“We immediately start with the controversy (laughs). With the players I had a wonderful relationship, I leave behind many friends, they told me that they will miss me, and I even saw the President.

“Stramaccioni, on the other hand, I have nothing to say…”

The playmaker was positive in assessing his new destination, though.

“I thank the President [Tommaso Ghirardi], who wanted me, and the sporting director [Pietro] Leonardi, who called me every hour. I do not know where things will take us, but I am sure I will get a lot of satisfaction here. And then, this is a World Cup year. I hope that this is my last club and I want to end my career doing well. I like big challenges. I was already given up for dead in Madrid. I won again. I want to be a protagonist.

“Here we will have to begin well. After that I do not know what will happen. [Coach Roberto] Donadoni told me that here you live well and think big. That everyone is happy to have me here.

“In my contract I have a bonus for returning to the national team, this will push me to do even better.”